Rita Kay Reichert, 61, of Helena, MT, lost her fight against cancer and passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on December 8th, 2019 . She was born to parents Charles and Effie (St. Claire) Rinehart, on April 21st, 1958 in Medford, WI.
Rita graduated from Medford Area Senior High School in 1977 and enjoyed being on the tennis and volleyball teams and other school clubs. She continued her studies at Northcentral Technical College.
She started her career as a line worker at Weather Shield and then Phillips Plastics in Medford, eventually working her way up to Regional Safety Coordinator for several plants across Wisconsin over her 15 years with them. In the intervening years she also worked for other manufacturing companies holding the titles for Safety and Quality Control, until her most recent employment for the State of Montana as a Compliance Specialist. She was a dedicated and hardworking employee who took pride in her work and made many friends along the way that she cherished.
Her first love, Lee Kallenbach she met in 1980 and their whirlwind romance had them married that same year. Between them they had 3 children, Kelly, Holly, and Lucas. They were married for 17 years before lung cancer took him from her.
Her love of the mountains prompted her move to Montana in 2009, where she met her soul mate Richard Reichert. They were married on September 3rd, 2011 in Hot Springs, Montana and enjoyed their short time together before he was suddenly taken from her in May of 2013 from a heart attack.
Her grandchildren were the light of her life. They could brighten her smile on even the darkest of days. She enjoyed hunting in the mountains of Montana, shore fishing at Yellowstone Lake, exploring all that Yellowstone National Park had to offer, camping wherever the road would lead, reading a good book, and spending time with her friends and family.
She is survived by her children Kelly (Geneveive) Kallenbach, Holly (Bryan) Wendt, Lucas (Lyndsay) Kallenbach, grandsons Tucker, Jasper, and Oliver Wendt, mother Effie Rinehart, siblings Denis (Donna) Rinehart, Aleta (Orlo) Wilcox, Mark (Candy) Rinehart, Reggie Rinehart, Whitney (Aurora) Rinehart, Clinton Rinehart, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Richard Reichert, her father Charles Rinehart, her first husband Lee Kallenbach, as well as her grandparents, aunts and uncles.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for December 13th, from 2-4 pm at Hannaford Street Bible Church located at 830 N Hannaford St Helena, MT 59601.
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Marie Davy says
I am so very sorry for the loss of your mom, she was a pretty awesome lady. I wish our worlds would have allowed us to spend more time together. I did enjoy the times spent with her and you kids and really was grateful that you all had the opportunity to become a part of my special cousin, Richard Reichert, life. I am sure the two are enjoying each other again right now. If there is anything I can do, even if it is just a hug, a ear that listens well please let me know. Sending love, comfort and prayers your way.
Cousin, Marie
(Deer Lodge, MT)
RITA'S FRIEND MARY KAY COOK says
Rita You sure will be missed by many you had a heart of gold and a smile that would go for miles and miles I will never forget all the good times we had at work together and our rides into work together. We sure had fun with our Hee man contest LOL, DRESSING UP FOR Halloween and of course playing santa and his elves for our coworkers. FLY HIGH MY DEAR WITH THE ANGELS. LOVE YOU MY DEAR
Sherri Anderson says
Rita was an awesome co-worker and friend. She faced each day with great courage and bravery. She never complained. She was a shining example to many. She will will be deeply missed by many
Carol Krumm says
Our hearts go out to you and your family. Sending prayers & hugs your way. Know that Rita is at peace.
Carol (Kallenbach) Krumm
Anonymous says
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Rita Reichert.
Ginny Haskins says
Rita was always smiling. I loved working with her and socializing after work. She was always a good friend even after she moved to Montana. I have been missing her and now I miss her even more. I regret never making the trip to see her. I regret the time I missed with her. Good bye Rita ,may you have peace.